Director of research

 

About the Common Sense Institute

Common Sense Institute (CSI) is a non-partisan organization dedicated to developing deep insights into critical policy issues facing the nation. We believe sound fiscal and economic research is essential to uphold economic vitality, future, and individual opportunity. We examine the economic impact of policies, initiatives, and proposed laws by employing dynamic modeling that accurately measures the impact of each measure on the economy and individual opportunity. To fully achieve our mission, we actively promote these solutions through the education of policy experts, lawmakers, community leaders, and the general public.

About the Role

The Director of Research leads the research and development activities within Common Sense Institute Colorado. This includes designing and implementing research designs and methodology, analyzing data, and presenting findings to key stakeholders. In addition, the Director is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with external partners and other organizations in the industry.

To be successful in this role, the Director must have a strong understanding of CSI’s goals and objectives, strategic plans, as well as a deep understanding of the Colorado government and policy landscape. They must also have strong leadership and communication skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.


The Director of Research will report to the Executive Director and oversee a team of four researchers. This role is in-person in Denver, CO. 

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

The specific responsibilities of the Director of Research include but are not limited to: 

  • Developing and implementing research programs that support the organization’s overall strategy and objectives
  • Analyzing data to identify emerging trends, opportunities, economic activity
  • Presenting research findings to key stakeholders, including senior members of the business community and policymakers
  • Managing the research team including other directors and research analysts and research interns to meet research agenda needs of CSI
  • Responsible for supporting detailed project scopes of work and contributing expert research and analysis
  • Responsible for ensuring that CSI research and publications are of high quality, accurate, concise and contain findings and insights that support CSI’s mission
  • Write and approve of project scopes of work
  • Write/edit/partial formatting of report drafts
  • Develop team member assignments, roles and tasks for completing research projects
  • Collaborate and manage CSI Fellows with their research projects
  • Provide feedback and support to CSI research staff to help professional advancement and to improve their ability to contribute to CSI

Qualifications


Required:

  • 7-10+ years of experience in a relevant role
  •  Ability to travel up to 10% within the state
  • Excellent technical and analytical skills
  • Experience with Colorado public policy and/or budget process
  • Experience with economic impact and simulation models including IMPLAN and REMI a plus
  • Demonstrated history of producing high quality economic analysis across a combination of economic modeling, and data analysis
  • Proficiency in Excel for the purpose of data analysis and modeling
  • High level of integrity and commitment to free enterprise issues and the mission of CSI
  • Possess an excess amount of determination and optimism in core DNA
  • Strong ability to collaborate and work within small teams
  • Excellent writing and communication skills

Preferred:

  • Master’s Degree in business, finance or Economics or related field
  •  Background working with free enterprise think tank or research institute
  • Previous work directly related to public policy and economic analysis
  • Experience managing large projects and engaging external stakeholders 

Salary Range: $140,000-$160,000 annually depending on experience, negotiable upon interview


Benefits 

  • 401k after one-year of employment; up to 4% match
  •  50% health care reimbursement
  • 15 paid vacation days; including majority of holidays and extra days at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Paid sick leave
  • Annual educational and professional development
  • Option for virtual Fridays
  • Option between childcare, elderly care, or pet care assistance

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:

  • A cover letter detailing your interest in the position and the Common Sense Institute’s mission, as well as your salary requirements
  •  Resume

Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/ 

Questions can be directed to Bailey Drouant, Outreach Manager at Talent Market, who is managing the search: bailey@talentmarket.org 

There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.